VAN NUYS : Arraignment Delayed for Jack Nicholson

An arraignment for Jack Nicholson, who is charged with attacking a Mercedes-Benz with a golf club, was delayed for a second time Thursday so his attorney could continue working on a deal that would effectively dismiss the charges, authorities said.

Appearing in Van Nuys Municipal Court without the Oscar-winning actor, defense attorney Charles R. English was allowed to put off the arraignment until April 26, saying he was trying to arrange a meeting between Nicholson and the driver of the Mercedes, according to Deputy City Atty. Jeff Harkavy.

Nicholson is charged with misdemeanor counts of assault and vandalism for allegedly using a 3-iron to smash the windshield and roof of Robert Scott Blank’s car. Blank, a 38-year-old Hollywood resident, was near the intersection of Moorpark Way and Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake when the Feb. 8 incident occurred. Prosecutors have said Nicholson may have believed that Blank cut him off in traffic.

Blank subsequently filed a lawsuit against Nicholson, but the matter has been settled for an undisclosed sum.

Nicholson is reportedly seeking a “civil compromise” in the criminal action. California law allows a judge to permanently stay misdemeanor criminal actions if the victim receives compensation in civil court.

A civil compromise effectively dismisses the charges in a case and prevents authorities from later prosecuting.

English refused to confirm that he is actively seeking a civil compromise, but the attorney acknowledged “that is one of the possible resolutions to the case given that Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Blank have settled their civil differences.”

Stressing that he is not trying to single out Nicholson, Harkavy said that “due to the degree of violence,” his office strenuously opposes this type of settlement.

“This case went beyond property damage,” Harkavy said. “As alleged in the complaint, Mr. Nicholson assaulted the victim, and he suffered some minor injuries.”

The prosecutor said the golf club shattered Blank’s windshield and several small pieces of glass struck his face.